Hot Forging Press Technician (Die Setup & Operations)

SSP Fittings Corp.; Twinsburg (OH); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical Coverage

Generous Time Off

Flexible Scheduling

Profit Sharing

On-Site Healthcare

Wellness programs

Shoe reimbursement

Job summary

SSP in Twinsburg, OH, seeks an experienced forge press operator to set up and run forging presses, change dies, adjust ram, and stage tooling for high‑quality fittings, valves, and tubing components.

You will handle hot billets, inspect parts with micrometers and calipers, perform preventive maintenance, support Lean/CI improvements, and operate a forklift while following safety policies in a high‑temperature shop.

Qualifications

• 2+ years manufacturing experience preferred; forging experience not required.
• 3+ years setting up and operating forging presses preferred.
• Basic measurement skills with micrometers/calipers; solid shop math.
• Teamwork and clear communication in a fast-paced shop environment.
• Forklift certification or ability to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate a forging press: change top/bottom dies, back plates, and shims per setup sheet.
• Adjust ram settings for quality and repeatability.
• Collect dies from the pre-heat bench and stage tooling.
• Operate the forge press and trim press; start up and run furnaces.
• Handle hot billets with tongs; verify heat and align billets into dies.
• Inspect forged parts to print using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Perform PM tasks; sustain 5S and Lean/CI improvements.
• Operate forklift for material movements; follow safety policies.
• Operate a 130 mechanical forge trim press as needed.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Skills

Forge press setup

Trim press setup/operation

Read blueprints

PC data entry/retrieval

Micrometers/calipers

Team communication

Forklift operation

PM/Lean/CI

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade school (≈2 years)

Tools

Forging press

Rotary/slot furnaces

Air grinders

Calipers/Micrometers

Job description

Step Into the Heat: A Day in the LifeYou fire up the forge cell, retrieve preheated dies, and align the setup per the sheet. With the ram dialed in, you lift glowing billets with tongs, set them precisely into the die, and cycle the press to create high-integrity parts for fittings, valves, and tubing systems. You inspect to print using micrometers and calipers, run the trim press when needed, and keep the furnace on spec. In between runs, you complete quick PMs, sustain 5S, and log data on the PC. You move materials with a forklift, verify billet color/heat, and collaborate with teammates to drive continuous improvement—safely, every time.Who We AreSSP is the largest single-site, vertically integrated supplier of fittings, valves, and tubing systems—100 years strong and still innovating. As a third-generation, privately owned company and recognized Top Workplace, we invest in people, technology, and safe, efficient processes. Our TRUE values—Truthfulness, Resourcefulness, Unity, and Execution—shape our culture and your career growth.What You’ll DoSet up and operate a forging press: change top/bottom dies, back plates, and shims per setup sheet.Adjust ram settings as required for quality and repeatability.Collect dies from the pre-heat bench and stage tooling.Operate the forge press and trim press; start up and run rotary and slot furnaces.Handle hot billets with tongs; visually verify billet color and heat, and align billets into dies.Inspect forged parts to print using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.Perform press and furnace PM tasks; sustain 5S and Lean/CI improvements.Operate a forklift for material movements; follow all safety policies and procedures.Operate a 130 mechanical forge trim press as needed.Complete other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.What You BringHands-on knowledge of forging press setup and operations; familiarity with trim press setup/operation.Ability to use forge setup sheets; read basic blueprints; enter and retrieve data on a PC.Experience benching dies and using hand tools (e.g., air grinders).Startup/operation of rotary and slot furnaces; understanding of basic PM on these furnaces.Basic measurement skills with micrometers and calipers; solid shop math.Working knowledge of forge safety requirements and ISO quality/Lean Standard Work.Team-oriented mindset and clear communication.Forklift operator certification (or ability to obtain).Work EnvironmentManufacturing/shop setting with high temperatures—billets up to ~2300°F; summer room temps may exceed 90°F.Frequent standing/walking (often 10+ hours) and lifting/moving 50+ lbs.Use of electrical and pneumatic hand tools; handling extremely hot metal billets with tools.Required forklift operation certification.Education & QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GED preferred (not required).Trade school (approximately 2 years) preferred (not required).Manufacturing experience (around 2 years preferred); forging experience not required.3+ years setting up and operating forging presses preferred.Why SSPWe prioritize your well-being and growth with benefits that support every aspect of life:Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, accident, and company-paid life insurance.Generous Time Off: PTO and paid holidays.Flexible Scheduling: Compressed work week options.Profit Sharing: Annual bonus recognizing your impact.On-Site Healthcare: Free access to Cleveland Clinic services for all employees.Wellness: On-site wellness coach, fitness center, and gym reimbursement.Convenience: On-site market with fresh food and beverages.Work Perks: Shoe reimbursement, milestone rewards, engagement events (picnics, holiday luncheons, Thanksgiving turkeys).Retirement: 401k/Roth with company match and 100% vesting after 90 days.Child Care Discounts: 10% off at any KinderCare location.ProficienciesSkid Steer OperationTroubleshooting SkillsMaterial Handler ExperienceHeavy Material HandlingMetal Stamping & Forming (Progressive Die)Metal Casting ExperienceMachines & Technologies You’ll UsePunch PressStamping PressLaser Punch PressAAP/EEO StatementIt is the employer’s policy that equal employment opportunities be available to all employees and applicants without regard to race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), age, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.